A Closer Look at the Hamburg Transparency Act of 2012

Summary:

The Hamburg Transparency Act of 2012 is a pioneering legislation that promotes governmental openness in the German city-state of Hamburg. Key provisions include proactive disclosure, which mandates public authorities to publish certain information without a formal request, and the establishment of a Transparency Portal, a publicly accessible database. The act also lists conditions for withholding information, such as personal privacy and national security concerns. The Hamburg Transparency Act has been praised for improving access to information and promoting civic engagement, serving as a model for other jurisdictions seeking to promote transparency and citizen participation.